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With candlelight vigil, FSU pays tribute to Andrew Coffey

A group of several hundred Florida State students and administrators stood beneath the shadow of the university's "Unconquered" statue Wednesday night as they honored Andrew Coffey with a teary message of unity and love.

Andrew Coffey was remembered as a smart, honest and smiling beacon of light who was eager to help anyone.

His cousin, Lexi Haughey, who is also a Florida State student, remembered the 20-year-old civil engineering student from Pompano Beach as a kind, loving person who touched every life he came in contact with.

He always wanted to attend FSU and was happy to have been accepted.

“My aunt and uncle always told Drew do something nice for someone every day that doesn’t benefit yourself,” Haughey said, speaking on behalf of Coffey’s family.

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FSU President John Thrasher speaks during a vigil in memory of Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU civil engineering student from Pompano Beach, at Langford Green on the university's campus Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017. Coffey, a pledge of FSU's Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, died on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017 after an off-campus party.(Photo: Joe Rondone/Democrat )

Coffey, a Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge, died Nov. 3 after an off-campus house party.

At a vigil held Wednesday night, Haughey asked her fellow students to incorporate his life philosophy into their daily routines.

“So in Drew’s honor all we ask is every day do something kind for someone else,” she said. “Smile at a stranger. Ask someone if they need help. Say something nice about someone. Hold the door. Make someone laugh and most importantly take care of each other.”

Back at home in Pompano Beach Coffey’s death shocked those who remember his thirst for life.

Kathy Fish is a school counselor at Pompano Beach High School where Coffey and her daughter swam together. His energy was genuine, she said.

“There were literally no boundaries,” Fish said. “He was that person who could do it all and be it all and be caring. I don’t recall a day when he wasn’t at peace. He could do anything.”

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A vigil in memory of Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU civil engineering student from Pompano Beach, was held at Langford Green on the university's campus Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017. Coffey, a pledge of FSU's Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, died on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017 after an off-campus party.(Photo: Joe Rondone/Democrat )

A level of sadness swept over people who remembered Coffey when news of his death reached his hometown. Fish was in contact with his mother in the hours afterward.

Fish, who works with Mothers Against Drunk Driving and students about making smart choices with alcohol, said she hoped his death could be a catalyst for change and a learning experience.

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A vigil in memory of Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU civil engineering student from Pompano Beach, was held at Langford Green on the university's campus Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017. Coffey, a pledge of FSU's Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, died on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017 after an off-campus party.(Photo: Joe Rondone/Democrat )

“The best (outcome) is that all our young people realize they’re not invincible but to really look out for one another,” she said. “Alcohol is part of our culture for a lot of people and we have to learn how to respect what it can actually do and how to support people when we utilize it.

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FSU President John Thrasher speaks during a vigil in memory of Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU civil engineering student from Pompano Beach, at Langford Green on the university's campus Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017. Coffey, a pledge of FSU's Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, died on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017 after an off-campus party.(Photo: Joe Rondone/Democrat )

“It’s not going to be in vain. It’s terrible, but if it saves one other person’s life then that’s what we need to be focused on.”

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A vigil in memory of Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU civil engineering student from Pompano Beach, was held at Langford Green on the university's campus Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017. Coffey, a pledge of FSU's Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, died on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017 after an off-campus party.(Photo: Joe Rondone/Democrat )

At the FSU vigil, organized by Cru, the student-led Greek campus ministry, students and administrators stood solemnly huddled in the night crisp air beneath the university's "Unconquered" statue as they lit hundreds of candles in Coffey’s honor.

There was a sense of comfort and a sense of unity among the crowd. The messages from Coffey’s family and student and campus leaders gave a sense that they and the university are searching for a way forward.

One of Cru’s campus directors, Scott Perdue, said Coffey’s death is time to mourn and reflect.

“We want to take this time now to stop and to remember that the greatest tragedy in this time is not the loss of our Homecoming activities or our chapter meetings, but it’s the loss of a life,” Perdue said. “A young man of immeasurable worth and value in the eyes of God who desperately loved him and so we begin by remembering Andrew Coffey.”

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A vigil in memory of Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU civil engineering student from Pompano Beach, was held at Langford Green on the university's campus Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017. Coffey, a pledge of FSU's Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, died on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017 after an off-campus party.(Photo: Joe Rondone/Democrat )

Tallahassee Police are still investigating Coffey’s death and have interviewed more than 50 people who knew him or were at the party on Buena Vista Drive the night before he died. TPD Chief Michael DeLeo said early indications led investigators to believe alcohol may have been a factor in his death.

The week afterward, FSU President John Thrasher suspended all Greek organizations and said the university had a “serious problem.” Pi Kappa Phi’s national office last week closed FSU’s chapter.

Thrasher said although he had never met Coffey, it was clear by the outpouring of support that he was loved and made an impression on everyone he came on contact with.

Coffey was part of FSU’s family. His potential could never be realized after his untimely death, Thrasher said.

“The hole in the hearts of his loved ones will never be truly healed,” said Thrasher, who renewed his call to create a new normal at FSU and change the culture within its campus organizations.

“Look at the people standing next to you. These are the people you call your Seminole brothers and sisters,” Thrasher said. “It’s your responsibility, our responsibility, and it’s a moral imperative to look out for your brothers and sisters who are a part of our family.”

He also asked that students help actualize the wishes of Coffey’s parents in fixing what they called a “broken practice,” within Greek organizations.

“Let’s honor their wish. Let’s pay tribute to Drew through the love and care we show each other,” he said. “Drew as a shining light of all those who knew him. It’s my goal and I hope it’s your goal to ensure that his light will continue to shine here at Florida State University and will bring us peace and comfort in the days ahead.”

Contact Karl Etters at ketters@tallahassee.com or @KarlEtters on Twitter.